Author: Southland Urology

Kidney cancer, also referred to as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), is among the top 10 cancers found in men. About 40,000 new cases are reported each year, with a majority of them being in men over 40, who fall into the high-risk category. The good news is that there’s a very high survival rate, so it’s important to look for the warning signs to diagnose the disease early.

What are the most common signs of kidney cancer?

The most common symptoms tend to show up in the lower back area, or are evident in urine.

1. Blood in your urine

This is the most common symptom and typically the earliest sign of kidney cancer. Even the slightest amount of blood will affect the color of your urine, giving it either a brown or pink discoloration. You may also experience difficult or painful urination.

2. Pain or discomfort in your side or back of the abdomen

This is a persistent, strong pain in your side that may be accompanied by a lump as well.

3. A loss of appetite

Kidney cancer may cause a loss of appetite and in turn a sudden weight loss not caused by conscious dieting.

4. An unexplained fever lasting longer than normal

This fever is different than others as it typically lasts for weeks and there isn’t a specific cause to associate it with such as a cold or other infection.

5. Extreme fatigue and weakness

People with kidney cancer experience constant and extreme tiredness and a feeling of weakness throughout the body.

Who is at high risk for kidney cancer?

Doctors are still unable to pinpoint the exact cause of kidney cancer, however they have picked up on a few common factors that may increase one’s risk. The number one factor is age. Kidney cancer is more prevalent in people over the age of 40 and continues to increase with each passing year. Other risk factors that may increase your chance of getting kidney cancer include:

Smoking

High blood pressure

Being male

Being obese or having diabetes

Genetic conditions/ family history of kidney cancer

Race (rates are higher in African-American and Hispanic individuals)

If you’ve been experiencing symptoms similar to those of kidney cancer or you feel you are at high risk due to the common risk factors, it’s a good idea to get tested. Testing is rather quick and painless. Doctors will just need a simple blood and urine test from you. If further testing is needed, your doctor will most likely refer you to a radiologist to get a CT scan, PET scan, MRI or ultrasound.

Erectile Dysfunction

Over 50% of men will have some degree of erectile dysfunction in their lifetime, which is often a result of lack of blood flow. Steady blood flow is the key to erectile function. As men age, the blood vessels in the penis deteriorate and fill with micro-plaque reducing blood flow to the penis.

The Revolution

Southland Urology is now offering a new treatment that will transform your relationship. Thanks to the 15 years of proven research and studies, this therapy can repair and create new blood vessels improving blood flow, thereby optimizing performance.

GAINSWave

GAINSWave™ is a protocol utilizing low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy to improve men’s sexual health. Shockwave therapy is an acoustic wave that, when applied to the soft tissue of the male genitals, results in the repair of existing blood vessels and the growth of new blood vessels. This protocol allows the penis to accept more blood, leading to better quality erections.

How it Works

GAINSWave™ protocols utilize a technology known as shockwave therapy that helps promote healing and growth. This treatment sends acoustic waves into the genitals, and through mild shear stress, trigger a series of biological reactions that result in the release of angiogenic factors. In other words, it promotes the repair of existing blood vessels and the creation of new blood vessels, resulting in improved blood flow. Better blood flow translates to better erection quality and sexual performance.

Benefits

By expanding existing blood vessels and generating new ones, GAINSWave™ helps to improve blood flow to the penis and offers men these benefits:

Decreased Refractory Period

Improved Erection Quality

Relief from the symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction and Peyronie’s Disease

Southland Urology patient Jim talks about his experience with the UroLift procedure. Dr. Eric Tygenhof and Jim discuss life before and after the treatment, exploring his vast improvement in quality of life. Jim had this one-time, in-office solution and experienced rapid relief and recovery from his BPH symptoms. He is off medications and feeling great! And all without invasive surgery.

Southland Urology

Southland Urology is the first dual Center of Excellence for the UroLift procedure. We are one of the largest volume UroLift providers in Southern California.

The UroLift System

The UroLift System uses a revolutionary approach to treating BPH that lifts and holds the enlarged prostate tissue so it no longer blocks the urethra. It is the only BPH treatment performed by a urologist that does not require heating, cutting, or removal of the prostate tissue. The procedure is typically performed using local anesthesia in the office and typically takes about 20 minutes. Most patients return home the same day without a catheter.

Is UroLift Right For You?

Your Southland Urology physician will help you understand whether you are a good candidate for the UroLift. On average about 75% of patients are candidates for the UroLift procedure. For more information please contact us or request an appointment online today.

The doctors of Southland Urology will discuss UroLift therapy at a St. Jude Medical Center community presentation on July 16th at 6 p.m. Most men over 60 have symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Symptoms include frequent urination, slow urination, and getting up at nighttime. UroLift is a revolutionary treatment option for symptoms of an enlarged prostate. This presentation will focus on why most men are eligible for the treatment and how it stacks up against other treatment options.

Kidney stones can be painful and treatment may be necessary. Dr. Eric Tygenhof sat down with Orange County Catholic to discuss kidney stones. If you or someone you know is suffering from pain due to recurring kidney stones, call Southland Urology today at (714) 870-5970 or request an appointment online.

The prostate gland is an integral part of the male reproductive system. About the size of a walnut, it continues to change and grow during a man’s lifetime. Maintaining prostate health should be of maximum importance to all men if they want to lead a long and healthy life.